There was no way Derrick Lewis was going to leave his hometown without a win at UFC 247.
“The Black Beast” didn’t have an easy night, however, as Ilir Latifi gave him everything he could handle over three rounds before earning the unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Lewis, who immediately jumped on top of the cage to celebrate with the Houston crowd.
“I guess that boy got a chin,” Lewis said about Latifi afterwards. “I just appreciate everybody coming out. Thanks for the support.”
There was little doubt that Latifi wanted to slow the action down and stay away from the immense power coming from Lewis but he nearly got his head taken off a couple of times in the opening round.